My major dilemma is that I cannot for the life of me figure how and at what time and temp I'm going to put on a couple racks of ribs, pork shoulder and brisket to come out all the same time. I'm currently using the Brinkmann upright which has two racks and can hold up to 30 lbs. of meat. Figuring on eating around 4 pm on Sunday so what time should I start my smoker for the brisket (5 lbs flat) first, when does the shoulder (9 lbs.) and ribs (2 full baby backs) go in. I will use Jeff's dry rub on all three (Obviously) before I start. FYI I'm going to try the 3-2-1 method for the 1st time on the ribs.Thanks for any and all advice here. Get the smoke on!!!

Well, that's a big question! You have one time already figured sort of (use 2-2-1 for baby backs) and that's the ribs. The other two cuts could be in 2 hrs/ pound, or longer. My last shoulder about the same size took right at 20 hours. I have never cooked just a flat, I always do a whole packer. Typically when I am doing shoulder for guests I do it the day before and reheat it. I think it tastes better after a rest. For the flat I would shoot for 2.5-3 hours per pound and that would hopefully give some leeway. So knowing that, if you are going to cook it all at the same time, I'd put the shoulder on first, then the flat about 5 hours later and the ribs when there's five hours left. There's no guarantee that it'll all come out at the same time, but it might be close.

I concur with dirtsailor on the ribs at 2-2-1 and doing the shoulder a day or two early. Pulled pork reheats nicely! 2 and 1/2 hours per pound for the flat should be good. You can hold it if it gets done early. Are you planning to foil the flat or go all the way uncovered? Foiling can decrease cook time. Check out Jeff's newsletter on brisket from last year about this time. That's what I like to do.

Pork shoulder is just as good or better after a day or two in the fridge. The flavors seem to meld together really well. And, as the guys said, just leave yourself plenty of time in advance on the brisket. It holds real well in double foil, and blanket and cooler. And, please note, the guys are saying 2 2 1 as in two two one for bb's.....not 3 2 1. Everything will be great. You'll look like a star.